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How to Get Your DD214

The DD214 is your official discharge document from the military. It shows your dates of service, branch, character of discharge, awards, and the summary of your time in uniform. This is the document the VA and every provider uses to confirm that you served, when you served, and how you separated. Without it there is no way to verify your military history or connect your medical conditions back to your service. This is the first document we need before we can review your case or write any medical opinions.

For help obtaining your DD214, follow the instructions below, or you may contact your Records Specialist for help walking through obtaining your records.

Steps to obtain

1

Check what you already have

  1. Look in any old file boxes, moving folders, email, or cloud drives for your DD214.
  2. It usually looks like a one or two page form with your name, branch, dates of service, and character of discharge.
  3. If you find it, take a clear picture or scan and upload it to us. You do not need to request another copy unless it is unreadable.
If you do not have it or are not sure, follow the steps below.
2

Go to the National Archives site

  1. Open your browser.
  2. Go to the website “National Archives”.
  3. In the search bar type “Request military records online”.
  4. Click on the official National Archives link.
  5. It will usually say something like “request military service records” and have a .gov address.
3

Start your request

  1. On that page look for a button that says “Start Request Online”.
  2. It will open the online request tool.
  3. Choose the option that says “Make a new request”.
  4. You will then sign in with ID.me.
  5. Select the type of record as DD214 or Separation Documents.
4

Fill in your service details

  1. Fill in your service details.
  2. Confirm your current mailing address and email.
5

Submit and save proof

  1. Review the information on the final review page.
  2. Click Submit or Complete Request.
  3. Take a picture or screenshot of the confirmation page.
  4. Save any confirmation number they give you.
  5. Keep this confirmation somewhere safe in case you need to check on the request later.